Husky information
Frequently asked questions
Husky Basics
Learn about about Husky basics like where Husky come from, how many different types of Husky you can find, and what other breeds mix with Husky.
Siberian Huskies typically have a 12 to 14 years lifespan when they receive proper care, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and regular veterinary check-ups. However, like all dog breeds, the lifespan of a Husky can vary.
No, Siberian Huskies are not wolves. While they share a resemblance in appearance due to their double coat, erect ears, coat colors, and tendency to howl, Siberian Huskies are a distinct domestic dog breed. While dogs and wolves share a common ancestor, they have diverged over thousands of years through selective breeding and evolution. As such, wolves have behaviors, instincts, and social structures that differ significantly from domestic dogs like Huskies, who are more people-oriented.
Siberian Huskies were bred to pull sleds over long distances through snowy and rugged terrain. Bred for endurance, strength, and adaptability to the extreme cold, they were used by the Chukchi people as transportation in the Arctic, helping them travel great distances efficiently.
Siberian Huskies stop growing around 12 to 18 months of age. However, their growth may not be fully complete until they are about two years old. Keep in mind that individual Huskies may have variations in their growth rates, so some may reach their full size a bit earlier or later than the average timeframe.
No, Siberian Huskies are not a hypoallergenic dog breed. Hypoallergenic breeds are those that shed less or produce fewer allergens, such as dander and saliva proteins, which can trigger allergies in some individuals. Huskies, like many other dog breeds, shed their fur throughout the year, and they do produce allergens.
Breeds that are commonly mixed with Huskies include Poodles, Pomeranians, and American Pit Bull Terriers. Characteristics of a Husky mix can vary widely depending on the specific breeds involved, the individual dog's genetics, and its upbringing. A few common Husky mixes include:
Pomsky (Pomeranian + Husky Mix)
Huskypoo (Husky + Poodle Mix)
Horgi (Corgi + Husky Mix)
Husky Jack (Siberian Husky + Jack Russell Terrier Mix)
Gerberian Shepsky (German Shepherd + Husky Mix)
Huskita (Siberian Husky + Akita Mix)
Labsky (Husky + Labrador Retriever Mix)
Huskimo (Siberian Husky + American Eskimo Mix)
Goberian (Golden Retriever + Husky Mix)
Ausky (Australian Shepherd + Husky Mix)
There is one type of Siberian Husky. But, the term “Husky” is sometimes used as a general name for any northern sled-pulling dog, such as the Alaskan Husky (a working dog bred for performance rather than appearance) and the Alaskan Malamute.
The Siberian Husky originated in Siberia, where they were first bred in the 19th century by the Chukchi people to travel massive distances and carry light loads without tiring. The first team of Siberian Huskies raced in America in 1909.
Husky Appearance
Learn about about the Husky general appearance like their size, colors, and grooming needs.
Standard Siberian Huskies colors are black and white, agouti and white, gray and white, red and white, sable and white, white, brown and white, black tan and white, and black.
It’s important to note that while these are the standard coat colors recognized by the American Kennel Club, Huskies can display a range of beautiful and unique coat patterns and colors. Coat color genetics in Huskies can be quite complex, leading to a wide variety of appearances within the breed.
One of the rarer Siberian Husky colors is the “pure white” coat. These pups often have blue eyes and a completely white coat without any other color markings. But while these dogs are not albinos, all white Huskies are more likely to be associated with health issues such as congenital deafness.
One of the rarest eye colors for Huskies is green eyes. While blue eyes are more common in this breed, green eyes can only occur due to specific genetic factors.
Huskies are medium-sized dogs, most weighing 35 to 60 pounds and standing around 18 to 24 inches tall. However, individual Huskies may vary slightly in size, and their overall health and well-being are more important than their exact measurements. Proper nutrition, exercise, and regular veterinary care are essential to ensure they reach and maintain a healthy weight and size.
Yes, Huskies are heavy shedders. Siberian Huskies have beautiful, thick double coats meant to endure harsh winters. They shed year-round, and they’re also seasonal shedders who shed more in the spring and fall. Expect your home to be covered in fur if you adopt one of these pups.
Huskies have a thick double coat that provides insulation against cold temperatures. Their coat is soft and dense underneath, with a coarser outer layer. Huskies have erect, triangular-shaped ears that stand upright and a long floofy curled tail.
One of the most distinctive features of Huskies is their eyes. While they can have a variety of eye colors, blue eyes are common and add to their striking appearance.
No, you should not shave a Husky. Huskies have a unique double coat that provides insulation against both cold and hot temperatures. The double coat consists of a soft, insulating undercoat and a coarser, protective outer coat. If shaved, the coat can be damaged, the inner and outer coats tend to grow back irregularly (making it look odd and patchy), and they may be more prone to sunburns and skin irritation.
No, an Alaskan Malamute is not the same as a Siberian Husky. The two are distinct and separate breeds of dogs. While they both belong to the category of Northern breeds, Malamutes are larger and were originally bred for heavy hauling, whereas Huskies were bred for sledding and hunting and have a more agile build.
Husky Temperament
Learn about about the Husky temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.
Huskies are a very vocal breed, though they tend not to bark as much as howl, whine, and “woo.” Huskies aren’t very territorial, so they have no reason to use barking to let you know about strangers or potential intruders. Other dogs will use barking to communicate when they need to gain the attention of people, play, be let outside, or remind you it’s time to eat — Huskies talk by howling instead.
As with most dogs, Huskies can be discouraged from barking as much with training and exercise.
Husky puppies’ ears start to stand up at around four to eight weeks of age. While they are born with floppy or semi-erect ears, the exact timing of when a Husky’s ears will stand up can vary from one puppy to another.
The process of a puppy’s ears standing up is related to the development of the cartilage in the ear. As the cartilage becomes firmer and more structured, the ears gradually become more erect. This transition can happen over a period of several weeks.
Huskies are super vocal due to their history as sledding dogs. Howling is more efficient and louder than barking when traveling long distances, so they developed their howl. Husky puppies may initially “yap” but before long, they will typically switch to howling and wooing, too.
Siberian Huskies have earned a reputation for their dramatic antics as they use their extensive vocal range to express their needs through howling, whining, and “talking.” Because Huskies are so independent, they’ll up the ante to get what they want. They’re also quite playful and sociable, so they get a kick out of making their people happy.
Yes, Huskies can potentially serve as service dogs. A service dog must have a stable, even temperament, not be easily distracted, follow commands, and have enough independent thinking to make decisions on their own in the best interest of their person — things that may prove too difficult for a Husky. Though Siberian Huskies can be intelligent and trainable, they are often a little too independent and high-energy to be service dogs.
Yes, Huskies can be compatible with other dogs. However, early socialization and ongoing training will be important to ensuring positive interactions with other dogs. It’s also important to consider the dog’s personality and temperament; some Huskies are more sociable and tolerant of other dogs, while others may be more reserved or pushy.
Yes, some Siberian Huskies enjoy water and can be quite playful with it. Introducing a Husky to water from a young age and creating positive associations with water can increase their comfort and enjoyment of aquatic activities.
Yes, Siberian Huskies are intelligent dogs. They are known for their problem-solving abilities and will often show off this skill as they figure out how to access food or escape from enclosures, which can be both impressive and occasionally frustrating for their pet parents.
Huskies can be good cats depending on their prey drive. Huskies can coexist peacefully with cats, but it requires careful introduction, training, and supervision. Not all Huskies have the same level of prey drive, so assessing your individual dog’s behavior and adapting your approach accordingly is important to ensure a peaceful household with both cats and dogs.
Even when your Husky has matured more and your cat is used to the big, adorable blue-eyed dog that races by occasionally, it’s still a good idea to supervise their interactions.
Yes, Huskies make good pets for kids. These pups are gentle and quite fond of tiny playmates, but they’re also very energetic. These medium to large dogs are capable of throwing kids off balance if they jump on or crash into them; they can knock toddlers over easily and unintentionally hurt little children.
Make sure to set clear behavior expectations for both your children and your pup to keep things smooth. As with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your Husky to keep both the child and dog safe.
Husky Health
Learn about about the Husky health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.
Yes, Siberian Huskies can adapt to and live in hot weather with proper care and precautions. They should be provided with plenty of cool shaded areas and lots of fresh water. Exercise should be limited to the coolest part of the day to prevent overheating. Make use of cooling mats, kiddie pools, and other tools to help them beat the heat.
The Siberian Husky is a relatively healthy breed with eye issues as the leading health problem in the breed. Happily, hip dysplasia, an incredibly common ailment among dogs, is extremely rare in the Husky.
Huskies should be brushed weekly with a rake brush that gently removes the old coat. If you create a routine of brushing your Husky’s coat once a week — and once a day during shedding seasons — then the problem can be mitigated. Additionally, when Huskies are not brushed regularly, this can lead to a buildup of oil and dander on their skin, causing irritation.
Though Huskies are super shedders, their coats are actually self-cleaning. They do not require routine baths; you can bathe your Husky when needed, but use a high-quality shampoo that will preserve the oils and color of their coat.
Huskies are prone to several diseases and health conditions including:
Hip Dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Unlike in hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, the abnormalities seen in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues.
Cataracts: Cataracts is common eye condition that causes cloudiness in the eye and obstructs vision. Huskies are especially prone to juvenile cataract.
Corneal Dystrophy: Corneal Dystrophy is a benign condition that causes the transparent part of the eye (cornea) to become opaque.
Other eye problems:
Canine glaucoma: a disease that causes excessive pressure on the eye, damages the optic nerve, and eventually leads to vision loss and blindness;
Entropion: a genetic defect where one or both eyelids are inverted or roll inward and rub on the surface of the eye
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): a progressive degenerative disease affecting the retina that eventually leads to blindness.
Adopting a Husky
Learn about about acquiring a Husky –the pros and cons of adopting versus going through a breeder, and associated costs.
The cost to adopt a Husky is around $300 in order to cover the expenses of caring for the dog before adoption. You can adopt a Husky at a much lower cost than buying one from a breeder. Depending on their breeding, a Husky will cost between $600 and $1,500 from a reputable breeder.
The easiest way to adopt a Husky is through a rescue that specializes in Huskies. A great place to start is by starting a breed search on Adopt a Pet. The search will show you all the available Huskies in your area.
Husky fun facts
Fun facts:
